Overlooking the 1200 acre Star Lake, in the Highland
State Forest is one of Wisconsin's most original, true log
homes, the Star Lake Retreat.

Located in northern Wisconsin's Vilas County, just south of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, it's 12 miles northwest of Eagle River.

The property is almost entirely surrounded by wooded land
with an abundance of natural beauty.
It's two acres of terraced lawns, gardens and woods provide privacy and space.
It's location provides quick access to the best northern Wisconsin has to offer in recreation, dining and shopping

There are numerous trails for hiking and biking in the spring, summer and fall and for cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and snowmobiling in the winter.

A great North Woods experience, this 3200 square foot, three level full log home was constructed in 1995 of 250 year old hemlock pines, felled by a tornado, and 150 tons of large field stone

Situated on a ridge, this log home has a fieldstone base and stone terraced lawns.

The three bedroom, year round vacation rental property has three levels with large windows facing the lake and woods.

A large stone patio, next to the west end, overlooks Star Lake.
An octagonal cedar picnic table, charcoal grill and large, safe fire pit for campfires creates a perfect place for outdoor meals and gatherings.

Living Room -

A free form, colorful, fieldstone fireplace.dominates the living area.
A combination of black slate and wood floors with stencil painted designs, hand-crafted 250 year old logs and cedar doors with leaded glass will provide endless visual pleasure. Large picture windows face south toward the lake and north to forest.bring the outside and inside together.
Cushioned glider rockers face the lakeside picture window.
The fireplace and TV area have a large double window facing woods and lawn.
The area is furnished with a sleeper sofa, stuffed recliner and an old fashioned rocker
For added seating the glider rockers can be turned around

A 32 inch flat screen stereo TV with DVD/SAT TV for the " game " or a movie you now have time to enjoy.
There's an Ipod dock with the stereo cd/radio.
A large DVD library and collection of cds make entertainment easier

Firewood for the fireplace and outside firepit is always available

Kitchen/Dining Area - Island cooking area in center with ample counter space and four stools. Jenn-Air grill, gas range and oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, glassware, dishes, pots and pans, toaster and coffee-maker are all provided. In a wing off the kitchen, the spacious dining area is surrounded by three picture windows facing lake and woods

Bedrooms -Large master bedroom with a king-size bed and walkin closet.
There's a handcrafted log and pine floor balcony off the master bedroom.
You'll find the chairs there comfortable so you can enjoy the northern Wisconsin starry nights, or your morning coffee.
There are two other bedrooms, one with two twin beds, the other with a double bed and one single bed
The sofa in front of the main level.fireplace converts into a double bed
Bedrooms and sofa sleeper accomodate a total of nine.
Sheets, blankets and spreads and pillows are provided for all beds.

Bathrooms - There is one on the main floor off the foyer. On the second floor, the main bathroom has two sinks set in a large counter top , tub and shower with heat lamp, ample drawers and closet space.
The lower level has a new enclosed laundry room and a shower module, with slate floor

Lower Level A large capeted area on the lower level with wood paneled and fieldstone walls is ideal as an extra living area, children's play area.
Large Anderson windows face the front lawn and lake and provide natural lighting, supplemented by over head lights and and floor lamps
It's furnished with a couch, matching overstuffed chair, coffee table, rocking chair, round butcher block table with matching chairs and a foosball table that tempts even the addicted video gamer
An area near the double door entrance provides a storage place for skis and other outdoor equipment.

The large, open area design of the Lower Level also serves as a studio, classroom or conference space for many types of groups, from business to spiritual

Area Information

The Area

The area around Star Lake Retreat from Eagle River to Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a wonderful all-seasons destination. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, there's no shortage of the outdoor activities for which northern Wisconsin is famous.

Water Access

The Star Lake Retreat is perched on a ridge offering a beautiful view of Star Lake.
There is a paved DNR boat launching facility with a large parking lot 5 minutes drive away.
Boats with motors rental, canoe and pontoon rental is a 10 minute walk to the Star lake store
A quiet sandy beach for swimming and a large fishing pier, located on the state land in below the Retreat property, is a 1 minute drive, or 10 minute walk, from the Retreat.

Fishing

Star Lake draws local fisherman. It is a large deep water lake with plenty of varied features.
It's quiet lake, not known for jet skiers or traffic.
Primary catch is Walleye but there are places where the Muskie & Bass live
There are three smaller lakes, two of which have little human habitation, within 10 minutes of the Retreat.
The Star Lake store keeps 14 ft boats on the shoreline of some of the uninhabited lakes for rent and they can put you in boats on Little Star lake.
They have pontoon boats, boats for fishing,skiing or just cruising on Star Lake.
They can provide trailers for some boats to use on the many lakes within 20 - 30 minutes of Star Lake

Star Lake

1200 acres of water with a large peninsula set between the lakes two "lobes" creates the impression of two lakes connected by a very wide,1/3 mile, channel.

The peninsula's mainland base is in front of the Retreat
The beach and fishing pier are located in a serene little park, ( with picnic shelter, two bathrooms, several grills, picnic tables and park benches along the lake shore ). on the peninsula base
The peninsula is about a mile long, perhaps 1/2 mile wide.
There are defined, sign guided hiking trails through rolling hills in a 120 year old red pine plantation,through intense green bogs via wooden walkways and into the peninsulas pine forest and around the shoreline
On the peninsula tip is a wonderful picnic and swim area due to a large sandbar

The lake has 5 uninhabited islands to explore, 3 beaches, two campgrounds and miles of public trails because about 90% of the surrounding land is state owned
There is a trail that goes through an area of original growth forest,towering pine trees hundreds of years old
There is plenty of open water for fishing, sailing, kayaking, skiing, tubing or just floating in the sunshine

Summer and Winter Fun!

Fishing, swimming beaches, boating, sailing, canoeing, water and snow tubing, biking and hundreds of miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails are all within a half hour or less

The Vilas county paved bike trail system is an off road dream come true for the amatuer or avid biker

Downhill skiing in Michigan is about one hour away.

There is upscale and down home dining we'll recommend, very nearby.

For those that enjoy golfing, the area has several courses, including the beautiful Eagle River club .

If gambling is more your pace, take a chance at the Lac Du Flambeau or Upper Peninsula Michigan's casinos, half an hour drive

About the owner

We're a middle class family living in a northern suburb of Milwaukee county
My wife is an RN who works with kids, I'm a professional insurance agent specializing in health insurance for seniors
.
Two daughters in their 20's, one in a grad prg for fine arts, the other does photo for a living

Deposits: Deposit Policies
50% of rental fee is required to hold reservations.
Balance rental fee due 60 days prior to arrival unless arrival date is less than 60 days from initial reservation
Damage deposit of $500.00 due 7 days prior to arrival
Damage deposit checks returned within two weeks after your departure via USPS certified mail. Damage deposit checks are held, not cashed and returned in original form

Payment Options: Cashier's Check, Money Order, Personal Check

Other Fees: Pets
$75 for one pet. $25 each additional pet Some limits apply Kennel on property for your use if needed

Reviews (18)

A gem in the woods.

September 20, 2016

This cabin is just AMAZING. Very secluded but with everything you need. The place itself is a piece of art, there are a few reviews wich say pictures don't do justice to the beauty of the place and is absolutely right. Place is so cozy but incredibly comfortable at the same time. We were a party of 5 adults a 6 years old and a dog and never feel even close to crowded. Cabin has 3 bedrooms upstairs a large full bathroom, great kitchen, with dinning area, half bathroom and living room with tv on it on main floor and a very nice basement with couches, a foos table, stereo (with a very nice music selection) and a tv. There are so many things to highlight. The area itself is sooooo beautiful and peaceful. Lake, store an bote rental just across street.
In regards to cabin it's not only pretty, cozy and very well maintained, it has everything you can think of. Table games, toys for the kids, markers and coloring books, dvds, music, books (for kids and adults) very well equipped kitchen, fire pit, grill I mean you name it. On top of all, it is pet friendly, could not ask for more. I wish we would have stay longer, 4 days feels way to short to enjoy all this beauty and nature. If you love hiking, this is the place to go. Trails every where, if you like fishing you have a lot to choose from, if you are like us who likes a little bit of all you'll feel in heaven. Highly but highly recommended. Can't wait to go again next year and stay longer.

Star Lake Retreat

Vern McGivern

Wausau, Wisconsin

Star Lake Retreat

August 8, 2016

The Star Lake Retreat is very unique and in need of updating of appliances.

awesome vacation rental

Diane

Peshtigo, WI

awesome vacation rental

October 1, 2014

Stayed at this cabin in June. It is a beautiful cabin. Was pretty private and close to the lakes we were fishing. We had about ten people and it wasn't crowded. There was a few minor setbacks like a leaky refrigerator but nothing major. Would stay again.

Owner's reply:

Hello Diane,

Thank you for sharing your impressions of your week at the Star Lake Retreat. Your comment about the log home's beauty has been voiced by so many folks who have visited the Retreat
The full logs are hemlock pine and 300 years old on average. Their demise as trees, from a tornado in 1988, led to their being harvested to build the Retreat.
They were hand stripped of bark to preserve the beauty of the natural wood surface.
Glad you got to enjoy them

Chuck Rychner

Star Lake Retreat

Scott Doleshaw

Fond du lac, WI

Star Lake Retreat

September 30, 2014

We spent a full week of family vacation at the Star Lake Retreat and the log home structure was a great experience. The location was within 20 minutes from both Minocqua and Eagle River so easy access yet it was very nice to be out in the country away from the cities. Star Lake itself was a beautiful piece of clear water for boating and watersports; we are a water ski, tubing , and wake board family so had nice weather and 4 days on the water. No direct lake access, but the public launch was just 2 miles away and parking, very quite lake not much activity due to surrounded by state forest land with very little boating activity. Chuck, owner, was very nice to deal with and was very accommodating. Thanks again for a wonderful family vacation.

Owner's reply:

Hello Scott,

Thank you for making the journey to Star Lake to stay at the Star Lake Retreat. I really appreciate your sharing your impressions of your families week at Retreat.
Star Lake has been described, in Milwaukee's Journal-Sentinel, as one of the last pristine places in Wisconsin.
The state forest land surrounding Star Lake has blessed the area with miles of hiking trails through amazing old growth forest and access for all boaters to the lakes beaches and 5 islands.
Chuck Rychner

GREAT HOUSE

David Olandese

Ingleside, IL USA

GREAT HOUSE

March 18, 2014

Thank you .The house was fantastic it was more then you said it would be and then some. Cant wate to go back. !!!!

Owner's reply:

Thank you David.
Every time we come to the Retreat it seems amazing that this incredible log home is a part of our lives and we get to share it with others.
From the awesome beauty of its three hundred year old logs to the fine detail of the craftsmanship, the Star Lake Retreat provides a comfortable living environment that entertains the senses and intrigues the mind

Lovely home

Lisa Nett Schmidt

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Lovely home

April 8, 2013

We loved our stay at the Star Lake retreat! The home was beautiful, comfortable, peaceful and clean. Our stay was so relaxing, even the dog loved it! We had the fireplace burning all weekend (plenty of wood, which was very handy) and we were able to cook our meals right at the cabin. We loved the DVD collection (yes, we watched a lot of movies). What a great setting and a nice little town. I'm sure we will be back. Thank you for offering your home to us!

Owner's reply:

Hello Lisa and John,

Your so very welcome back, anytime. Getaway weekends have become a specialty of the Star Lake Retreat, because, as you and other guests observed, the log home provides such a rich, peaceful yet stimulating enviroment that one could spend the weekend there comfortably and never explore the world outside.
From the fascinating beauty of the immense hemlock pine logs, the fine craftsmanship displayed in the interior woodwork, to the intuitively designed free form rock and boulder fireplace, the house features can please and amaze.
Some find a sort of rapturous wonder that engages their minds for hours.
Those logs, stripped of their bark by hand, reveal patterns created by insects long ago, patterns that engage the imagination, like clouds on a sunny day
Comfort and amenities from our admittedly personal tastes are there for your use. The movie library collection is decidedly chosen for personal appeal and character. The music collection covers many types, periods and artists. There is a CD/Ipod system on the main level, a CD player in the master bedroom and another on the lower level, ( a good place for those with louder, raucous tastes to air their music.)
As you noted Lisa, Star Lake is a little town. It's very little. Really a general store, two restaurants with bars and a small collection of homes, scattered around about one quarter of the lake shore.
The rest is very protected state land, including some very old growth forest with a state campground across the lake.
There are extensive trails through some of the most beautiful landscapes I've ever seen close by.
The lake is 1200 acres with 5 islands, 4 beaches. Eagles are a common site and loon calls are frequent
from spring to fall
We hope your memories bring you back

Chuck and Anna

Wonderful, relaxing stay!

Lyn Ash-Cederholm

Waunakee, Wi

Wonderful, relaxing stay!

April 7, 2013

We had such a fantastic time at this wonderful cabin. We are itching to return to the peace and relaxation of this fantastic home and setting.

Owner's reply:

Hello Lyn,

We really appreciate your taking the time to share your reaction to the Star Lake Retreat.
Your use of "fantastic" to describe the log home reminds me of our first response to it. "Amazing", would be another.
It's creation amazes me. N,ature, thru a tornado, provided the opportunity to harvest 300+ year old trees and the people, who wanted to transform them, had developed the old world skills to create what you saw.. The whole of it, ancient stones and primal wood, combined together thru the vision and craftsmanship of very special people, who believed that they could create what has become the Star Lake Retreat.
Your memories of it bring you back.

Winter Get-a-way

Patty Neubauer

Oshkosh, WI

Winter Get-a-way

March 10, 2013

This place is just perfect! Beautiful accommodations, lots of space, fantastic location AND dog friendly! There were 7 of us and with 3 spacious bedrooms upstairs as well as the finished basement, we had more than enough room. The state park right across the street is a huge bonus!

Owner's reply:

Hello Patty

Thank you for sharing your experience at the Star Lake Retreat and Star Lake.
Star Lake is in a very special area.
It's in the Sayner-Star Lake Recreational Area, so designated for recreational purposes only.
So no large commercial development.
With 90% of the land around Star Lake owned by the state, it's pretty safe to assume this lake will remain essentially the same, 5 islands, 3 beaches, two campgrounds and miles and miles of hiking trails thru protected forests
The Star Lake Retreat is built and designed to maintain the experience of it's surroundings. It's 300 yr old logs once grew as hemlock pines 5 miles away.
Fortunately they were able to be harvested for the building of the Retreat after a tornado felled them in 1988. The rocks and boulders that makes up the terraced walls, lower level walls, fireplace and chimney were mostly selected for their individual character and thoughtfully arranged.
The craftsmanship that shaped the wood and stone inside and out, utilized old world techniques such as Scandanavian scribing
We love to share this with people like you and your family

Chuck

Star Lake Retreat

Jason N Lori Renslo

Eau Claire, WI

Star Lake Retreat

February 10, 2013

We booked this log home very last minute and the owners were very accomodating. We loved the fireplace and foosball table. My husband would like to stay again sometime and has told lots of friends about it.

Owner's reply:

Hello Lori and Jason,

Thank you for your kind words about our " other " home
You are the kind of family we think of as a big reason we share the Star Lake Retreat
You were so appreciative and considerate of our log home.
It sounded like your two girls took home some nice memories of their experience as well
Star Lake and the Retreat have been a very special family experience for our family for almost two decades
Our girls have had some of the same fun experiences as did yours
We want you to come back, and hope you'll come to Star Lake in other seasons like the beautiful Fall, the Spring greening and the laid back Summer, as well as winter
When you add the incredible log home that is the Star Lake Retreat, any season in Star Lake can be memorable.

Thanks again for coming to the Retreat,

Anna and Chuck

Winter retreat

Lauren Savidusky

Madison, WI

Winter retreat

January 23, 2013

I have read the reviews of other cabin visitors and it seems like they have covered all of the bases. You REALLY have to see the cabin to understand what others are saying. My girlfriend and I stayed up there for 8 days and the pictures do not do justice to the cabin itself. From an engineering point of view, the construction of the cabin itself is extremely detailed oriented. I probably spent hours staring up at the solid log beams looking at all of the natural defects on the wood surface. The cabin is beautiful.
I have rented several other cabins in the Hayward area and spent the same amount of money on half the cabin. The area is laid back and the locals are friendly. You don't have to go too far to find the fish either. You can cross the road and fish right along that bay and catch fish or you can take a ten minute drive to Ballard or Plum. I limited out on perch on Ballard Lake within three hours. Or if your lazy like I often am you can try the Walleye at Stillwater.
Bottom line, the owners are friendly, the area is beautiful, the fishing is great, and the cabin is beautiful. You really can't go wrong if your staying for a couple days, or for the whole week. I plan on renting again in the fall.

Owner's reply:

Hello Lauren

What a great review. Glad you mentioned Stillwaters, a classic, family friendly restaurant and bar located at the northern end of Star Lake. It's run by a very nice couple, he's the cook, she's the primary host, The food is for real good, lots of it home
made Between Stillwaters, the North Star lodge and Vincchi's, Star Lake has the amazing reputation of being the best place in the county for real food and fun when eating out. Amazing that they're all within 10 minutes or less from the Star Lake Retreat

Winter Retreat

J. Young

Madison, WI

Winter Retreat

January 23, 2013

Stayed up there for 8 days with my girlfriend and her family and, WOW!. The photos do not do justice to the cabin itself. From an engineering standpoint the detail that went in to constructing this cabin is incredible. It is fun to spend a little time looking at the natural defects in the wood which were left exposed. We ended up sleeping down by the fire before other people came up. The cabin has everything you need, TV, Foosball table, good music selection, complete with the rustic feeling. The area itself is very laid back. If you are going up there to fish, I would look into Plum Lake and Lake Ballard which are close to the cabin. Caught a few walleye on Star, but dozens of perch on Ballard. I will definitely be renting from here again.

Owner's reply:

Hello. Mr Young

Thank you for your appreciation for the Star Lake Retreat and for sharing it so well
Many guests have described their appreciation of the natural and handmade wonders that make spending time inside the Retreat so enjoyable
The logs were hand stripped of the outer bark to reveal the unspoiled beauty of the wood's warm colors, the rock walls and fireplace pieced together to create patterns of shape and color
We continue to try to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience in this creative mix of ancient stone, primal wood and hand craftsmanship. We want your time inside and around the Retreat to be as satisfying experience as we know can be found in the forests and on the lakes that surround it

A REAL RETREAT!

Kathy Ohrmundt

Wausau,wi.USA

A REAL RETREAT!

January 4, 2013

Amazing and very relaxing. There was room for everyone (10), and the living space was just right. Add the finished basement and it is great. The kitchen was one of the best equipped ever.Also, I can"t say enough about the beautiful fireplace that we had burning all day. There was plenty of wood at the house. Iwould recommend this place to anyone...

Owner's reply:

Hello Kathy,

Thank you for your kind words
I think you have joined a very special group, i.e. those who love the Star lake Retreat
Hope you come back again, maybe during another season
Spring,Fall and Summer, the waters of 5 nearby lakes, all within 15 minutes, most uninhabited, are easily accessed due to boats stored on the shore, thru an arrangement with the Star Lake general store
Later you can cook those fish over the coals in the big firepit or the Weber on the patio overlooking the bay
If it rains use GenAire grill inside
Summer you can use the pontoon boat from the store to spend lazy afternoons on 1200 acres of one of the most pristine, and mostly uninhabited, lakes in Wisconsin

The Fall in the Star Lake area is amazing with trails and roads becoming tunnels of colors around Star Lake
The drive between us and Boulder Junction is famous for it's scenery and double so in the fall

Hope you took home some nice memories of Star lake and the Retreat, that bring you back

Star Lake Retreat in October

Barb Achten

Waupaca,, WI

Star Lake Retreat in October

October 24, 2012

Great kitchen/dining area for our large group meals and game playing. Spacious living room with fire place. Outdoor campfire was a plus. Foosball in the basemen too! Just a short walk from Star Lake campground and walking trails.

Star Lake Retreat

Cathy Dobbs

Joliet, IL

Star Lake Retreat

July 13, 2012

This was our second visit. We enjoy the cabin and the setting very much.

Owner's reply:

Hello Cathy,

Your comment is appreciated as well as the generous rating
I think you said your children asked to return to the Retreat
It is common to hear from returning guests that their memories and those of their children draw them back to the Retreat
The amazing log home never fails to surprise the 1st time guest and seems to keep on stirring the imagination of children, and adults, visit after visit
Coupled with the protected natural diversity of the 1200 acre Star Lake area, as well as the Retreats acres of private woods and lawns, the Star Lake Retreat vacation does leave the kind of memories that draw you back
P.S. Visit Star Lake Retreat on face book. We'd be grateful for your pictures, comments and we promise to love your "likes"

Great Cabin!!!!

Scott Hanrahan

West Bend, Wisconsin

Great Cabin!!!!

May 10, 2011

I rented this cabin off the internet. Based on the pictures I thought it looked very nice. The pictures don't do it justice. The place is great and the owner is very easy to work with. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a great log cabin up in the northwoods!! The lake is within walking distance as is a nice park on the beach with modern swings and jungle gym for the kids. There is a store just across the street and down a couple lots that is very nice. They carry a very nice selection of food, soda, beer, wine and knick knacks and t-shirts and such.

Great cabin in a beautiful setting

Mary Beth Pritzl

Appleton, WI USA

Great cabin in a beautiful setting

November 5, 2008

We stayed for a long weekend in late Oct. We loved the big windows and space for our family (5 kids). We had all the amenities we like: DVD player, sat tv, radio, very clean. Local people were very nice. It is a bit secluded but that is what we were looking for. Overlooks lake. Hiking trails along the lake. Very happy with cabin experience here. We plan to return!

Great for two families, kids, x-c skiing

Kathy Okkema

Harvard IL

Great for two families, kids, x-c skiing

February 20, 2008

We had a very nice time...plenty of dishes, space and sitting area for 10 of us and our dog! Master bedroom was spacious. The other two rooms had plenty of floor space though the ceiling slope limited head room. Log construction is amazing. Easy access to a number of x-c ski locations good for families with wide range of skills. Very comfortable and relaxing...beautiful snow scenes from windows.

perfect for everyone

Jaime Hanson

Oconomowoc, WI

perfect for everyone

January 23, 2008

The Star Lake Retreat was perfect for our trip. We had a group of 9 up there for snowmobiling. We had the perfect amount of space and everything was ready for us upon arrival. The entire house is wood inside and out, except for the beautiful stone fireplace. The area up there is very quite and laid back. Perfect for whatever your looking for. We especially loved the sunrise views from the huge windows. We will be back again. You can't beat the price and the owners are very helpful and appreciative.

We're a middle class family living in a northern suburb of Milwaukee county
My wife is an RN who works with kids, I'm a professional insurance agent specializing in health insurance for seniors
.
Two daughters in their 20's, one in a grad prg for fine arts, the other does photo for a living